Expedition and small-ship adventure cruising is unlike any other kind of travel. It's about venturing to the edge of the map, exploring remote regions with purpose and embracing the raw beauty of the planet.

However, with numerous destinations, ships, and operators to choose from, planning can be daunting. That’s why we built ExplorEarth: a free-to-join membership site and your trusted companion in the journey, offering expert guidance, original stories, and one-on-one help every step of the way. We work only with the most responsible expedition operators and experts, not to sell you a trip, but to help you plan an extraordinary one. Get started with our Expedition Cruise Guide.

Dan Stavert

Dan Stavert Hiking in Greenland

Access to Remote, Untouched Places

Expedition cruises take you where traditional cruises can’t. Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, the Kimberley coast and beyond. These are often raw, unspoiled environments where nature rules, and where few people ever get to tread

Jamie Lafferty

Observing a minke whale up-close in Antarctica

Immersive Wildlife Encounters

You’re not just spotting animals from a distance, you’re in Zodiacs alongside penguin colonies, kayaking past humpback whales, or watching polar bears stalk across the ice. Guided by expert naturalists, it’s as close to a real-life nature documentary as you can get

Dan Stavert

Dstavert Paradise Harbour Kayaking

Hands-On, Thrilling Activities

Expedition cruises are active by design. You might find yourself kayaking among icebergs, snorkelling over coral reefs, hiking volcanic terrain, or snowshoeing across polar tundra. Each day brings a new way to interact with the environment, not just observe it. These experiences are guided by seasoned experts and tailored to your comfort and ability level, so whether you're adventurous or just curious, there's always a way to participate.

Mark Stratton

Citizen Science lecture

Education Through Exploration

Expedition cruises aren’t passive. Daily talks by marine biologists, glaciologists, astrologists and photographers enrich your understanding of the places you visit. You return not only with photos, but with new insight, perspective and purpose

Mark Stratton

Citizen Science by Mark Stratton

Meaningful, Transformative Travel

Expedition cruises shift your sense of scale and self. Standing before ancient ice cliffs or hearing the silence of a polar night, you feel the fragility and grandeur of the Earth and become an ambassador for the planet. It’s not a vacation; it’s a recalibration.

Who is it for?

Photographing Ice

Photographers

Capture breathtaking moments in the world’s most remote, photogenic places—guided by experts, without the crowds. Expedition cruising puts you front and centre.

Bird watching on the ships' deck.

Birders

From the Galápagos to the Arctic, expedition cruises offer rare birdwatching moments—guided, up-close, and unhurried in pristine, remote habitats.

Hiking In Maxwell Bay

Hikers

Expedition cruises offer guided hikes in remote, wild landscapes—from glacier treks to tundra trails—perfect for curious, active travellers.

Photographing Ice

Photographers

Capture breathtaking moments in the world’s most remote, photogenic places—guided by experts, without the crowds. Expedition cruising puts you front and centre.

Bird watching on the ships' deck.

Birders

From the Galápagos to the Arctic, expedition cruises offer rare birdwatching moments—guided, up-close, and unhurried in pristine, remote habitats.

Hiking In Maxwell Bay

Hikers

Expedition cruises offer guided hikes in remote, wild landscapes—from glacier treks to tundra trails—perfect for curious, active travellers.

Citizen Science by Mark Stratton

Citizen Scientists

Expedition cruises blend adventure with purpose, offering chances to join real research—from wildlife tracking to climate studies—alongside expert scientists.

Polar sea kayaking

Kayakers

Expedition cruises blend adventure with purpose, offering chances to join real research—from wildlife tracking to climate studies—alongside expert scientists.

©Mikelouagie MLX 1609 Greenland PONANT Polar Bear

Wildlife Enthusiasts

Get up close with wildlife like whales, penguins, and polar bears on expedition cruises—small groups, expert guides, and respectful, unforgettable encounters.

Citizen Science by Mark Stratton

Citizen Scientists

Expedition cruises blend adventure with purpose, offering chances to join real research—from wildlife tracking to climate studies—alongside expert scientists.

Polar sea kayaking

Kayakers

Expedition cruises blend adventure with purpose, offering chances to join real research—from wildlife tracking to climate studies—alongside expert scientists.

©Mikelouagie MLX 1609 Greenland PONANT Polar Bear

Wildlife Enthusiasts

Get up close with wildlife like whales, penguins, and polar bears on expedition cruises—small groups, expert guides, and respectful, unforgettable encounters.

What wildlife can I encounter?

Arctic Fox Near Constance Point 2
Arctic Fox
Marine Iguana Galapagos
Marine Iguana
Northern Rockhopper Penguin by Jamie Lafferty
Penguins
Polar Bear Arctic Mike Louagie
Polar Bears
Northern Gannet with Black Iris
Seabirds
Prospect Point Zodiac And Blue Ice
Seals
Rb 276 Walrus Svalbard mikeuk
Walrus
Whale tail out of the water in Antarctica
Whales
Arctic Fox Near Constance Point 2
Arctic Fox
Marine Iguana Galapagos
Marine Iguana
Northern Rockhopper Penguin by Jamie Lafferty
Penguins
Polar Bear Arctic Mike Louagie
Polar Bears
Northern Gannet with Black Iris
Seabirds
Prospect Point Zodiac And Blue Ice
Seals
Rb 276 Walrus Svalbard mikeuk
Walrus
Whale tail out of the water in Antarctica
Whales
Read Our Wildlife Guides

Where in the world can I go?

Rb African Penguin Rosie B Wild S8A9874 16
ALL REGIONS

Africa

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Antarctica Jamie Lafferty
ALL REGIONS

Antarctica

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Polar bear with a cloud halo
ALL REGIONS

Arctic

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Phuket Thailand
ALL REGIONS

Asia Pacific

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ALL REGIONS

Atlantic Islands

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ALL REGIONS

Australasia

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Rb 7 Northern Lights in Lyngen, Northern Norway Istock Nitrogliserin
ALL REGIONS

Northern Europe

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Blue-footed booby in the Galápagos Islands with a photographer in the background capturing the bird with a camera.
ALL REGIONS

Latin America

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ALL REGIONS

North America

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Read Our Destination Guides

Travel Writer Tips & Expert Guides

Glacier In Svalbard

My first Polar Expedition Cruise

In "My First Polar Expedition Cruise," ExplorEarth writer Natalya Getman shares her firsthand experience of navigating icy waters, encountering wildlife, and discovering the transformative power of polar exploration.

Jamie In Galapagos 2

Expedition Guide: Photography

Ready to capture the magic of your expedition cruise? Our Photography Guide is packed with expert tips and insights to help you photograph stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable moments.

King Penguin Displaying 3

Expedition Guide: Birding

Discover the thrill of birdwatching in some of the world’s most remote and wildlife-rich regions. Our Birding Guide offers expert advice on what to look for, where to go, and how to make the most of your expedition birding experience.

Glacier In Svalbard

My first Polar Expedition Cruise

In "My First Polar Expedition Cruise," ExplorEarth writer Natalya Getman shares her firsthand experience of navigating icy waters, encountering wildlife, and discovering the transformative power of polar exploration.

Jamie In Galapagos 2

Expedition Guide: Photography

Ready to capture the magic of your expedition cruise? Our Photography Guide is packed with expert tips and insights to help you photograph stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable moments.

King Penguin Displaying 3

Expedition Guide: Birding

Discover the thrill of birdwatching in some of the world’s most remote and wildlife-rich regions. Our Birding Guide offers expert advice on what to look for, where to go, and how to make the most of your expedition birding experience.

Read Our Original Stories

Ready To Start Exploring?

Become a member of ExplorEarth to unlock exclusive offers, expert-written guides, tailored cruise recommendations, and access to our full voyage database. Enjoy 1:1 advice from impartial experts and join members-only webinars to help plan your perfect expedition cruise.

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